This week we found out the Knicks would pick up Chauncey Billups $14 million option for this upcoming, possibly lockout shortened, season. Considering the lack of point guard quality in this coming free-agent class, and the potential of using Billups as a sign-and-trade chip for Chris Paul or Deron Williams in 2012, Walsh made the most prudent move. But, the Knicks are in a pickle now. They still need a rebounder and legit center, and with little to no cap room left, Walsh (if he’s here) is going to have to be creative or pull out some surprises (another Timo Mozgov, maybe?).
So with that, what does Walsh do? Who does he keep from this roster? Let’s go over it, player by player.
Amar’e Stoudemire (PF),
Carmelo Anthony (SF),
Chauncey Billups (PG) — Here’s your core. All will be here obviously. —STAY
Roster guys with contracts or player options:
Ronny Turiaf (C) — He has a player option for $4 million. I can’t imagine there is a market for him, so he’ll be around. Ronny seemed to lose a lot of his spunk after the trade. I don’t konw if it was losing his buddies (Gallo and Timo) or that he’s an injury magnet, but despite some frustration with him he can be a big man contributor. —STAYS
Toney Douglas (SG) — After the Celtics series, can it be any more clear that Toney is not a point guard? Aside from the fact that he can dribble the ball over half-court, he’s just not someone who can get the ball into tight spots. I’ve kinda given up on ever transforming him into a point, but maybe Chauncey’s tutoring will have a greater impact than I imagine it could be. —STAYS
Renaldo Balkman (SF/PF) — He’s an energy guy who can rebound, so part of me couldn’t understand why he didn’t get any run. But, there are better options on the team. He seems like dead weight, but has 2 more years at $1.6 per. I’m thinking he’s a buyout candidate. Heck the Knicks gave him away once already. Maybe buyouts will be easier in the new CBA. Here’s hoping. —GONER
The team option guys:
Billy Walker (SG/SF) — After an underwhelming season where he was stuck behind Landry Fields at the two, he finally showed some extra effort and intensity in the playoff series. With a team option at 1 mil, and the need to round out the roster, Walker probably returns. —STAYS
Landry Fields (SG/SF) — It felt like 2 completely different campaigns for Fields. He completely exceeded expectations in pre-trade, and then looked like a timid, confused rookie afterwards. Did he hit the rookie wall? Was he put in a position he wasn’t comfortable with? Probably both, but I have confidence he’ll work on having a quicker shot release and work on his dribble and come back strong. With an $800k team option, the Knicks still have a bargain. —STAYS
Andy Rautins (PG/SG) — We didn’t learn anything about the guy this season. He has an $800 team option that probably gets picked up, considering the roster spots available. Hey, he’s big, can play in the half court, and maybe shows he can hit the open 3. —STAYS
The restricted guys and now free agents:
Shawne Williams (SF/PF) — What a surprise this guy was. Showed he could defend well, and do other things besides shoot the three. —STAYS
Sheldon Williams (PF/C) — Fell squarely into the “why isn’t D’Antoni playing this guy?” category. Seemed to do okay when given the chance (against Dwight Howard,etc), but wasn’t given a chance when it mattered in the playoffs. —GONER
Anthony Carter (PG) — He showed he could be a capable backup in short spurts. Unfortunately, he got asked to do too much. It’d be tempting to keep him as a security blanket, but his vet min will be relatively costly, and the reality is he’s never hit the outside shot in his career and that makes him expendable. —GONER
Roger Mason (SG/PG) — Had his chance. —GONER
Jared Jeffries (position unknown) — He is such a strange player, and was forced to do too much in the playoffs. But, he’s a professional and D’Antoni finds a way to use him in creative ways. —STAYS
Derek Brown (SG) — I think he has something, but I’m guessing he wants to be somewhere else where he feels he’ll be given a chance. —GONER
So here’s what the depth chart looks like:
PG: Billups / Douglas / Rautins
SG: Fields / Walker
SF: Carmelo / Shawne W
PF: Amare / Jeffries
C: Turiaf
How does the roster get rounded out?
The Knicks have the 17th draft pick — Will Jimmer (PG) or Faried (rebounding) be there for the taking?
Is Jerome Jordan brought into the fold? He seemed competent and would answer some of the big man depth issues.
Are there any international free agents out there?
